The Birth of the QR Code
The QR code was invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara, an engineer at the Japanese company Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. The goal was to create a code that could store more information than traditional barcodes and be scanned quickly, especially in factory settings.
Why QR Codes Were Needed
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Traditional barcodes could only store a limited amount of data, usually a product number.
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Factories needed a way to track vehicles and parts more efficiently, requiring a code that could store more detailed information.
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The solution was the Quick Response (QR) code, named because it could be scanned quickly and reliably.
How QR Codes Work
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A QR code is made of black squares on a white background arranged in a square grid.
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It can store various types of information, such as:
- Website URLs
- Product details
- Contact information
- Payment data
- QR codes can be scanned by smartphones or specialized scanners, making them versatile and user-friendly.
Evolution and Global Use
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Initially used for tracking auto parts in Japan, QR codes gradually spread to other industries like retail, logistics, and marketing.
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By the 2010s, the rise of smartphones made QR codes ubiquitous, used for payments, event tickets, menus, and more.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, QR codes became essential for contactless solutions, from digital menus to vaccination certificates.
Interesting Facts About QR Codes
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QR codes can store up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
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They can still be read even if up to 30% of the code is damaged.
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QR codes have inspired creative variations, including color codes, logo-embedded codes, and decorative designs.